Skeletonleaf Bursage

Description:

SKELETONLEAF BURSAGE - Ambrosia tomentosa Nutt

Asteraceae - (Sunflower family)

An aggressive creeping perennial, 1 to 2 feet tall, covered with silver-gray pubescence, reproducing by seed borne in leaf axils, but principally by extensive rootstalks, forming large colonial populations. Leaves alternate, narrowed at the base to a distinct petiole, sometimes with several small lobes. Leaf blade ovate to lanceolate in outline, up to 3 inches long and 2 1/2 inches wide. Male and female flowers are found in separate locations on the plant. Male inflorescence is stalked and elongated or spike-like. Female flowers are found in clusters or singular in the axils of the upper leaves.

Woolyleaf bursage is a native plant found in the central and southern Great Plains region. In the past this plant has often been confused with skeletonleaf bursage (Ambrosia tomentosa (Nutt.) A. Nels), which has leaves that are more deeply lobed.

(Courtesy of Weeds of the West)

Control Strategies:

Skeletonleaf bursage is resistant to tillage. It can best be controlled by treating the regrowth after tillage when the plants are 4 to 6 inches tall. Use 2,4-D at 2 quarts per acre. In a pasture situation where tillage is not possible, spray it spring and fall at the same rate. Tordon at 2 quarts per acre on actively growing plants is effective on rangeland, pastures and non-crop sites. Clarity at 1 to 2 quarts per acre in  the fall will also give good results.

To learn about biological control agents for Skeletonleaf Bursage visit this link.